TalkErie launches station this afternoon

Today at 3:30 p.m., WZTE (1530 Union City) will conclude program testing and transform from “Freedom 1530” to a new radio format entitled TalkErie.com. Using a 24-hour news/talk format to feed multiple content streams, including AM radio, FM radio, web streaming, podcasts, social media, and online print, TalkErie.com will attempt to advance understanding on the issues directly affecting people and institutions in our region. “TalkErie.com exists to advance the narrative of the Erie region,” said Joel Natalie, station manager and afternoon host. The station is committed to a strong focus on news, with national news twice per hour around the clock, and a local newscast twice per hour weekdays from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m, featuring Erie radio veterans Ron Raymond and Margaret Caldwell.

Each weekday afternoon from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m., will feature a daily local talk show all about Erie – the Joel Natalie Show. Natalie says he wants to address local issues in a way that utilizes the strengths of local live radio. His program will be singularly focused on Erie, featuring dialogue with newsmakers and experts on the most-important topics our region faces. It will also feature news, hard conversations, controversy, opinion and fun, with an emphasis on friendships, family, and community. Natalie is no stranger to Erie of which he is a native; or broadcasting in which he has spent 35 years.

For the other on-air hours, TalkErie.com will broadcast hosts of the Salem Radio Network. The weekday program schedule features Hugh Hewitt from 6:00 to 9:00 a.m., Mike Gallagher from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 Noon, Dennis Prager from 12:00 to 3:00 p.m., Larry Elder from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m., Eric Metaxas from 9:00 to 11:00 p.m., New Life Live with Steve Arterburn from 11:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m., and Joe Walsh from 12:00 to 3:00 a.m.. A replay of the Joel Natalie Show will air again overnights from 3:00 to 6:00 a.m. “Best of” and specialty programs are scheduled for weekends on TalkErie.com.

TalkErie.com can be heard on FM 105.9/W290BI for Erie city and the north suburbs, FM 103.3/W277DS for Erie County south of I-90, and AM 1530/WZTE during daytime hours throughout the region. Listeners can also utilize the station’s content-rich website for news and program highlights, along with its Facebook page, and Twitter feed. Coming soon after launch will be a live online stream, as well as downloadable podcasts of interviews and special programming.